Chachi
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A language of Ecuador
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Cayapa, Cha’ Palaachi, Cha’palaachi, Kayapa
Autonym
Cha’Palaa
Population
5,870 (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 9,390 (2012 UNSD).
Location
Esmeraldas province: Cayapas river and tributaries (Canandé, Cojimíes, Onzole, Sucio, and others), north coastal jungle.
Language Maps
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Classification
Typology
SOV.
Language Use
Elders and preschool-aged children are mostly monolingual (Crevels 2007). Also use Spanish [spa], but women, older adults, and those living in the isolated headwaters of the river are less bilingual in it.
Language Development
Dictionary. NT: 2008.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Traditional religion, Christian.